Ekurhulen urged to act on long-delayed stormwater drain repairs in Ward 18

Ward 18’s Alderman Heather Hart has raised concerns about the continued delay by the City of Ekurhuleni in awarding the tender for the installation of cement slabs on stormwater drain inlets.

She explained that for an extended period of at least three years, residents have been forced to live with unsafe, open, and poorly maintained stormwater drain inlets.

According to Hart, the open and poorly maintained drains pose a serious safety hazard to children, pedestrians, animals, and motorists.

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They also contribute to blockages, flooding, and infrastructure damage during heavy rains, and undermine the cleanliness and aesthetics of the neighbourhoods.

“Despite repeated calls from the community, the delay in finalising this tender has left residents at risk and continues to compromise the standard of service delivery in Ward 18,” said Hart.

She said the City of Ekurhuleni is called to prioritise and finalise the tender award without further delays, ensure that the appointed supplier delivers durable, safe, and compliant cement slabs, and provide the community with transparent updates on the supply chain timeline.

“As Ward 18 residents, we strongly believe that this intervention is urgent and necessary to protect our community, prevent flooding, and improve basic service delivery standards. We will continue to hold the municipality accountable until this matter is resolved,” she added.

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Hart urged the municipality to act without further delay and address this pressing matter in the best interest of residents.

A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on September 26, requesting a response by September 29 at 09:00.